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After two consecutive nights of arrests, Occupy Tampa has completed their first arrest-free overnight occupation of Kiley Garden in downtown Tampa. Four people slept on blankets on the grass from 2 until 6:30 this morning.

Three Tampa Police woke up protesters Becky Rubright, Tim Sommers, Nick Windholz, and Derek English inside Kiley Garden and said they could not sleep or lie down in the park. Tim Sommers said that he wouldnât sleep any longer, but that he would not get up.

Becky Rubright was hesitant to declare it a victory since there were only four protesters occupying the Kiley Garden.

Last night was the 30th night that protesters have continuously occupied a sidewalk just north of Kiley Garden, along Curtis Hixon Park. This is also the second time Occupy Tampa members have taken a public park overnight; two-and-a-half weeks ago more than a dozen people slept over inside Curtis Hixon Park for a night. Rubright said that today could mark a precedent for permission to occupy a park.

After last nightâs General Assembly, a few people raised concerns about Occupy Tampaâs strategy to continue risking arrest. They accused protesters on the ground of straying from their message of promoting more economic equality. But Tim Sommers said their first priority is to assert the right to freely speak and assemble.

During the four arrests Sunday morning, protesters recited the First Amendment. And early yesterday Katie Christofilis and two others were arrested as they sat on the ground with an American flag and a copy of the Constitution. She said it was in solidarity with Seth Collins, who initially stood up to law enforcement all on his own.

Protesters have been allowed to sleep at night on the sidewalk outside Curtis Hixon Park because the city code is vague. But as some members of Occupy Tampa continue to sleep in public parks, they risk violating section 16-39, which clearly prohibits sleeping in parks. By 6:45 this morning, Nick Windholz and Derek English said that they intend to continue sleeping, in protest of the police orders.

Comments

Asleep at 2:30????
Dusty about over 3 years ago
I guess that the Hub closed just about then.

Early to rise
Dusty about over 3 years ago
Good thing that the cops woke them in time to get to their jobs. errrrrrrrrr that have no jobs.

Would have jobs without robber barons
Bubba about over 3 years ago
Hey Dusty, these folks probably would have jobs if the greedy bankers and robber barons hadn't ruined our economy and cashed out. THAT'S WHY THEY'RE PROTESTING!! Geez, what is the problem with you folks. You've been brainwashed by Glenn Beck.

Where do I live??? Uhhh... the park???
Glenn Pendergrass about over 3 years ago
Hey Bubbaâ¦ Iâve been to Occupy Tampaâs General Assembly meetings and the Hub is often a topic of discussion by âthe movementââ¦ FROM THE PODIUM!!! Iâve also heard the movements âLegal Counselâ telling NON-residents of Tampa to lie about their place of residencyâ¦ if they plan speak at the Tampa City Council meeting!!! And you want to talk about being brainwashedâ¦ BUSHITO!!! I wouldnât trust this bunch to properly wipe their âcollectiveâ assâs after they had a movementâ¦